Uplift Magazine

V Magazine January’s issue is the latest fashion magazine to embrace larger sized models entitled, rather obviously, the Shape Issue, it features models all sorts of shapes and sizes. “Big, little, pint-size, plus-size —every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it,” says V editor Stephen Gan. Erm, I think we may already know that Stephen. But you’re right, a few stragglers in the back may still be berating themselves for eating that extra mince pie, slice of Christmas cake, bowl of trifle or Christmas pudding.

In a somewhat refreshing take on the plus size issue, V’s Size Issue has opted to celebrate the female form in two of the shapes that mother nature bestowed on us. So, we have not only women with rolls and curves, but also women with small boobs and bones. In one editorial entitled One Size Fits All (shown below), Crystal Renn (the former category) and Jacqulyn Jablonski (the latter category) are pictured in identical outfits on adjacent pages. Not only does this simple technique highlight how unattainable certain Karl Lagerfield-esque ideas of the figure are, but also allows the viewer to decide what counts as a healthy figure. The other editorial that has been released, called Curves Ahead, features 4 plus sized models photographed in a various stages of dress, further beautifully proving V’s point. (more…)

This project, worked on by the ‘retoucher’s retoucher‘ Dangin, takes the discussion around the use of Photoshop in mainstream media image preparation to a whole new, very interesting and perplexing, level. We’re not just talking about ‘bettering an image’ here; this ‘Make-Up story’ is a complete fabrication, the “make-up of our technological fantasies” is a total illusion. That said, all the products ‘used’ are listed – from YSL’s 4 Colour Harmony for Eyes in lavender to DiorBlush in precious pink. It’s all been ‘digitally sampled’ you see…

V’s shoot can really open our eyes to how far digital re-touching can (and, inevitably, will) go. In this context – a high concept, high fashion mag – arguments about unattainable beauty seem slightly lost; This experiment is clearly an attempt to push boundaries, rather than an endeavor to create facial perfection (love those grimaces!). Still, the worry still niggles that if V can do this, what will other magazines do in the future?

Putting The Beauty Myth aside for a second, I can actually appreciate the innovation displayed here. But I can’t help but wonder if any make-up artists would share in my enthusiasm?